The Auburn Tigers are turning to senior quarterback Payton Thorne once again as they face the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday.

The move was reported by Pete Thamel, who noted that Thorne’s experience against a variety of defenses gives him a better chance against Oklahoma’s stout unit.

“Source: Payton Thorne is set to start for Auburn against Oklahoma on Saturday,” wrote Thamel on X. “His experience playing so many defenses over the years have him prepared for Oklahoma’s stout defense. Both Thorne and Hank Brown had solid weeks of practice.”

This decision comes after the Tigers benched redshirt freshman Hank Brown at halftime during the loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Brown’s three interceptions in one half of work against Arkansas were a glaring sign that the young quarterback still needs more time before being handed the reins again.

Although Thorne hasn’t been perfect—he’s thrown five interceptions over his last six quarters—the coaching staff feels his experience gives Auburn the best chance to compete against the 21st-ranked Sooners.

Thorne’s recent struggles have led to his own benching, but he’s handled it with humility and a desire to support the team. Now, he has another chance to lead Auburn, although it’s hard to say if this opportunity is a blessing or a bitter responsibility, given the formidable challenge that awaits.

The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked fourth nationally, boast an aggressive defense that leads the SEC with 14 sacks.

Whoever starts at quarterback for Auburn would be under intense pressure, but with the season at a crossroads and the Tigers sitting at 2-2, head coach Hugh Freeze has opted for the experience and composure of Thorne over the raw but struggling Brown.

For Freeze, the choice to switch back to Thorne is likely as much about pragmatism as it is about any belief in Thorne’s abilities. The Tigers need stability at the quarterback position, and the veteran’s experience at the college level could help mitigate the mistakes that have plagued the team so far this season.

In fairness to Brown, the young passer looked overmatched against Arkansas, and it was clear he needed more time to develop. His future is still promising, but this wasn’t the time for Auburn to gamble on inexperience, especially not against a team as powerful as Oklahoma.

For now, Auburn’s season hinges on the veteran’s shoulders. As they prepare to face a Sooners squad that will undoubtedly bring relentless pressure, Payton Thorne gets another chance to steer the ship and perhaps change the trajectory of a season that could either find hope or spiral deeper into uncertainty.

The Tigers are hitching their wagon to the old warhorse, and only time will tell if Thorne can deliver when it matters most.

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